Puzzle.



No. 718,323. PATENTED JAN. 1a, 1903.

T. J. DECK.

PUZZLE.

APPLICATION FILED JUN E 24, 1902.

H0 MODEL.

. UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

THEODORE JOSEPH DECK, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.

"PUZZLE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 718,323, dated January 13, 1903.

Application filed June 24,1902. Serial No. 113,025. (No model.) 1

."0 all whom it may. concern.-

Be it known that I, THEODORE JOSEPH DECK, a citizen of the United States, residing at Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, have invented new and useful Improvements in Puzzles, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to wire puzzles; and the object is to produce an inexpensive puzzle difficult of solution for the novice or unskilled and which will afford amusement and entertainment while acquiring a knowledge of its mode of separation and reassemblage of its parts.

I have fully and clearly illustrated the invention in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and wherein- Figure 1 is a view in elevation showing the interlocked members assembled preparatory to commencing their separation. Fig. 2 is a view of the device indicating the first or initial position of-the separable member. Fig. 3 is a view of the device showing the second position of the separable member. Fig. 4 is a view indicating the third position of the separable member. Fig. 5 is a view showing the separable member turned into the fourth position. Fig. 6 is a view showing the separable member as in position for final separation. Fig. 7 is a detail side view of the separable member. Fig. 8 is a detail side view of the frame or main member.

Similar reference notations'indicate corresponding parts throughout the difierent views.

Referring to the drawings, it will be perceived that the device consists of two members-a frame and an interlocking and separable or removable member. 7

To construct the device, I take a piece of stiff spring-wire of sufficient length to serve the purpose and bend it into the shape or form shown in the drawings. This consists of a straight section or part 1, terminating at its end in loops or eyes 2 2, the end portions 3 3 of the wires being extended beyond the part 1 and preferably arranged in divergent relation to each other. The-portions or limbs 3 preferably cross or intersect the bar 1 on opposite sides thereof, as this arrangement affords greater convenience in the manipulation of the members.

The separable member, the detachment of which is the puzzle encountered, is made of a single piece of wire formed with an eye or loop 4, with the wire crossed at its base and the end portions 5 6 extended in opposite directions, as shown. The extensions or limbs 5 6 are of such length that they reach past the arms 3 and in the several manipulations extend through the eyes of the frame, as shown in the drawings.

In the drawings, in Figs. 1 to 6, included, the successive steps of separation of the members are visually demonstrated,and these may be specified as follows: In Fig. 1 the movable member is shown as hanging loose on the bar 1, with the extensions 5 6 in front and rear of the limbs 3 of the frame. The removable member is then moved so that the loop stands at substantially right angles across the bar 1. The removable member is then reversed and the extension 5 passed through the lefthand loop 2 and the extension 6 resting behind the upper part of the right-hand loop, as shown in Fig. 2. The removable member is then readily moved to the position indicated in Fig. 3. The loop 4 is then reversed and the removable member drops into the position seen in Fig. at of the drawings, the loops being then interlocked. The removable piece is then reversed and moved into the position seen in Fig. 5, when the member may be slipped clear of the frame, as seen in Fig. 6 of the drawings.

To reunite the members, the steps are followed in reverse order, beginning with Fig. 6 and ending with Fig. 1.

It is apparent that similar manipulations initiated at the opposite end of the main member will result in the removal of the separable member.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is-- A puzzle comprising a frame'member and an interlocking member movably disposed thereon, the frame member consisting of a single wire having a straight section termi- Hating in loops at each end and the extremi- I site directions, the extremities of the interties continued therefrom and crossing the locking member being of equal length. straight section on opposite sides and extencl- In testimony whereof I aifix my signature ing away from said section in divergent lines, in presence of two Witnesses. the extremities continuing from the loops be- 4 ing of equal length, the interlocking member THEODORE JOSEPH DLCK' being formed of a single piece of wire with a Vitnesses:

l FELIX R. SULLIVAN,

central 100p and the extremities crossed at the base of the latter and extended in oppo- ERNEST A. KATZENBERGER. 

